The next, in the opulent audience hall of Ryntum Mansion, Bain Lawrance stood before King Riz. His heart was heavy with the weight of defeat. A sombre atmosphere settled in the grand hall.


    The room seemed to hold its breath and the silence was punctuated only by the distant sound of footsteps and whispers, echoing the crackling tension within Bain''s own spirit.


    Alongside Riz was the Minister of War and Defence, William Geoffrey, King Nelson of Naharog and the Fire Priest Gliibious. Both had joined the meeting to assess the dire situation that had befallen theirnds.


    King Nelson was deeply concerned about the condition of his capital as he had witnessed the chaos and devastation caused by the enemy''s advance. Fearing for the enemy may raze the city to the ground.


    As for Fire Priest Gliibious, he was curious to find out about hisir. That ce is filled with treasured artefacts and sacred knowledge. He feared for all those treasures would fall in the hand of the enemy.


    The atmosphere crackled with tension as the weight of recent events hung heavy in the air.


    Riz''s face was etched with concern as he recalled the moment he was informed of the devastating defeat. His butler, Edward had rushed to his study with Admiral Stormrider. The admiral, his voice filled with urgency, conveyed the dire situation that had unfolded on the battlefield.


    Without hesitation, King Riz immediately summoned Bain, recognizing the gravity of the news and the need to learn about it from the man himself.


    "Tell me, Bain, what has transpired in the war?" Riz inquired.


    Bain''s gaze fell to the ground. As a Chief of the Army, a mix of shame and regret is evident in his expression. He spoke in a subdued tone, recounting the series of battles and the eventual defeat that had befallen their forces. The weight of responsibility and disappointment weighed heavily upon him as he shared the harsh reality of their loss.


    Riz was struck with a mixture of confusion and disbelief. His brows furrowed, and his expression shifted into an oddbination of concern and bewilderment.


    "I have sent another fifteen thousand soldiers as a reinforcement for you," Riz stated, his voice carrying a tinge of perplexity. "Did you not receive them?"


    Bain frown his eyebrows. His eyes look at the king, searching for an exnation. "The reinforcement?" he repeated before shaking his head, "I received none, Your Majesty. We were left to face the enemy without any support."


    A fleeting exchange of nces passed between King Riz and his Minister of War and Defence, William, who stood nearby. Panic and confusion were written all over their face.


    It was clear that the news of the missing reinforcements left them feeling uneasy. The absence of the expected troops raised questions about their current whereabouts and the potentialplications they might have encountered.


    Suddenly, they had a realization. Their eyes widened, and an almost imperceptible sense of rity washed over them. It was as if a lightbulb had turned on above their heads, illuminating a possible exnation for the missing reinforcements.


    "Manfura!" they inwardly eximed, almost in unison. Considering the route the reinforcements were supposed to take, their movement would have likely been obstructed somewhere along the route.


    Riz turned to Bain with a sense of urgency in his voice. "Do you see Inverloch banners in Mezorin?" he asked, his eyes searching for any confirmation.<novelsnext></novelsnext>


    Bain''s brows furrowed, perplexed by the question. "Why would Inverloch be here?" he responded, a hint of curiosity in his voice.


    As the words left his lips, it became clear. The pieces of the puzzle fell into ce, aligning with their suspicions. Inverloch, most likelying from Szazki, could have strategically intervened to block the reinforcements, preventing their arrival at the intended destination.


    The gravity of the situation deepened, as the presence of an imperial force interfering in their ns meant that the war had taken a more intricate turn.


    Riz''s mind raced, calcting the dire implications of allowing the enemy forces tobine and amass such a formidable number of soldiers.


    The urgency of the situation demanded swift action.


    "We need to reinforce them quickly!" Riz eximed, his mind racing to adjust their strategy. With Mezorin fallen, the path would now be clear for Barlia to advance towards Manfura. The imminent danger of allowing these two forces tobine their strength was evident to all.


    "If they join forces, their numbers could balloon up to one hundred thousand soldiers, and that''s not even ounting for the nde forces," Riz continued, his voiceden with the weight of the situation. "It would be an overwhelming force to handle, and our chances of victory would diminish significantly."


    "I agree with you, Your Majesty," William affirmed. "We must swiftly deal with the Inverloch forces in Manfura to prevent their union with Barlia. Theirbined strength would pose a significant threat to our chances of victory."


    "That is true," Riz nodded in agreement. He turns his attention to his chief of the army, "Bain, I will give you one more chance," he stated firmly. "You must lead our forces alongside Levi and eradicate the threat in Manfura. We cannot afford any further setbacks. The fate of our kingdom hinges on your sess."


    Bain straightened his posture, determination etched across his face. "I will not fail you, Your Majesty," he vowed, his voice resolute. "I will lead our troops to victory and ensure the eradication of the Inverloch threat in Manfura."


    Riz flickered his gaze to William again, "Tell the soldiers stationed in Portsbury and Baroks to move as well. Since Inverloch attack us, we shall return the attack."


    "As you wish, Your Majesty."


    Immediately, the call to arms echoed throughout the kingdom under the pretext of fighting the invader or for the safety of the homnd.


    It was clear that desperate times called for desperate measures.


    The conscription order was issued, calling upon all able-bodied individuals, especially refugees who were not engaged inbour work, to join the ranks of the army.


    Riz was resolute in his decision to ensure the safety and effectiveness of his trained soldiers, sparing them from being used as mere cannon fodder.